A 1967.5 Datsun 2000 Roadster owned by a Mattel employee has been transformed into a limited-edition Hot Wheels collectible, giving the rare sports car a 1:64-scale counterpart inspired by its full-size appearance. The special model was created for the 2024 Hot Wheels Collector Convention and is now being offered for sale alongside the original vehicle.
A Rare Datsun Roadster Inspires a Hot Wheels Release
Matt Gabe, the owner of the featured Datsun and an employee of Hot Wheels parent company Mattel, told The Drive that he purchased the car in 2013 because he wanted a “fun, old convertible” that also “stood out in the Mattel parking lot.”
The second-generation Datsun Roadster debuted in 1963 and remained in production through 1970. Unlike the later Z-car lineup, the Roadster never achieved the same level of popularity.
The 1967.5 Datsun 2000 Roadster is especially uncommon because it paired a new 2.0-liter engine producing 135 horsepower with the outgoing low-profile windshield and flat dashboard. According to the source, this configuration was produced only from March through November 1967.
Created for the 2024 Hot Wheels Collector Convention
The miniature version of Gabe’s car was created after he was invited to serve as the guest of honor at the 2024 Hot Wheels Collector Convention.
As guest of honor, Gabe was given the opportunity to choose a vehicle for the event’s exclusive release. Hot Wheels already offered a Datsun Roadster casting in its standard lineup, which served as the foundation for the special edition.
The model was upgraded to a premium collector version featuring rubber tires along with an all-metal chassis and body. Production was limited to 4,000 units.
“I was able to convince the team to create the parts that would put it at that higher level,” Gabe said. “I designed the toy car using my car as the general inspiration (similar paint color, wheel style, and badging), but added the racing numbers to make it feel a little more Hot Wheels.”
The Full-Size Car Mirrors the Diecast Version
The full-size Datsun was updated with vinyl graphics and a hardtop to match the appearance of its Hot Wheels counterpart. Gabe still owns the vehicle’s original soft top, although it is not currently installed.
The Roadster also features front lowering springs and 14-inch Panasport wheels, details that were faithfully recreated on the limited-edition diecast model.
Both Versions Are Available for Bidding
The 1:64-scale Hot Wheels model and the full-size 1967.5 Datsun 2000 Roadster are being offered together through Cars & Bids.
According to the report, the highest bid stood at $5,000 at the time it was last checked.
